New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, calling for a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor and demanding greater transparency on national security matters.
Kharge emphasized the need for unity and restraint, saying, “Leaders across the country should exercise caution and remain silent on national security issues until facts are clear. It is crucial to understand the situation fully before commenting.”
His comments came a day after Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan acknowledged losses in the recent conflict with Pakistan but dismissed Islamabad’s claim of shooting down six Indian jets as “absolutely incorrect.”
Kharge also condemned the political exploitation of the conflict, urging the Prime Minister to “refrain from election speeches” during this sensitive time. “There is no need for self-praise. The entire nation stands united behind our armed forces,” he added. Referring to Modi’s previous statement about granting the military full operational freedom, Kharge questioned the Prime Minister’s repeated public statements, saying, “If full authority was given earlier, why the need for further self-glorification now?”
Accusing the government of misleading the public, Kharge demanded a parliamentary session to openly discuss the matter. “Even Pakistan has convened its Parliament to deliberate on the issue. India should do the same,” he said.
Earlier on May 31, Kharge had called for a comprehensive, independent review of India’s defence preparedness, modeled on the Kargil Review Committee. “Congress demands a thorough strategic assessment by experts to strengthen our national security,” he stated.
The call for accountability follows India’s precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) after the Pahalgam attack. The Indian military also successfully repelled Pakistani aggression, delivering a decisive blow to enemy airbases.
According to a Reuters report quoting CDS General Anil Chauhan, the conflict involved initial Indian losses, but tactical adjustments led to deep strikes into Pakistani territory, destroying key assets including radar systems and airbases. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan remarked, “We rectified tactics and penetrated all their defences with impunity.”
On May 10, Indian jets, drones, and missiles targeted 11 Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan near Islamabad. Prime Minister Modi hailed the operation as ushering in a “new dawn” during his speech at Adampur airbase. Subsequent satellite imagery confirmed the precision and success of the strikes.
